A Stanford study found that low vitamin D levels promotes breast cancer metastasis.
A preliminary study conducted primarily in laboratory mice indicates that when the animals have low levels of vitamin D, breast cancer cells metastasize more easily. The researchers of this study found that vitamin D directly promotes the expression of a protein called ID1 known to be involved in metastasis of cancer cells. This research was published in the journal Endocrinology.
According to this study, low levels of vitamin D not only increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, but are also correlated with more-aggressive tumors and worse prognoses.
The researchers emphasize that their findings do not imply that more vitamin D is always better. Correcting a deficiency cannot be taken equally to the intake of more than the recommended dosage: 600 international units per day for people age 70 and younger, and 800 IU for older adults. Excess levels (usually 4,000 to 10,000 IU per day) have been linked to damage to the kidneys, cardiovascular system and other organs.
The researchers emphasize that their findings do not imply that more vitamin D is always better. Correcting a deficiency cannot be taken equally to the intake of more than the recommended dosage: 600 international units per day for people age 70 and younger, and 800 IU for older adults. Excess levels (usually 4,000 to 10,000 IU per day) have been linked to damage to the kidneys, cardiovascular system and other organs.
